FRUSTRATED residents have been reassured a fire-ravaged parade of shops in Eaglescliffe will be rebuilt - despite delays in demolishing the charred remains.

“Red tape” is holding up the work to return the parade of shops on Durham Lane to its former glory, say the shops owners.

And tenants, who were wondering if they would ever return to their burnt-out businesses, should receive letters soon to update them on progress.

Several businesses at the site, known locally as Orchard Shops, were left gutted by the fire which started in the early hours on May 19, as reported inset.

In August, owners Hartlepool-based Mowden Park Estate Company, said their first aim was to make safe and flatten the site ready to “start afresh”.

But apart from a security fence being put up, work has yet to start.

James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, and Eaglescliffe Councillor Phil Dennis have called for action, saying it has been long enough and the damaged units should be demolished and replaced.

But managing director of Mowden Park, Edward Yuill, said the firm has been “working tirelessly to see these shops pulled down”.

“We are having to go through all the red tape involved in this,” he said.

A Demolition Notice was put in with Stockton Council “some time ago”, said Mr Yuill.

“Now apparently we need to put in another notice. But we will be writing to all the tenants to inform them. Our aim was always to get something back up and running again.

“I would like to give a timescale, unfortunately its a case of just waiting for all the correct notices.”

MP James Wharton welcomed news of the demolition notice saying: “Residents will be pleased something is finally happening but I find it hard to believe red tape caused such a long delay.

“Stockton Council can be slow at the best of times but Mowden Park have never raised this before now. I would encourage them to let me know of any future delays so I can help push things through and get this eyesore dealt with.”

A Stockton Council spokesperson said: "The Orchard Shop owners have received an approval of the Demolition Notice under the Building Act 1984 subject to conditions, one of which is to obtain any necessary planning consents.

"An application has been submitted for prior approval under planning for the demolition of the shops and we are working closely with the agents on this matter."